The base umpire touches the brim of his hat with one finger
pointed up then gives the plate umpire a thumbs up signal. The plate
umpire responds with a similar, unobtrusive thumb motion. You look at
the field and realize it is an infield fly situation. The initial hat
touch also relayed the fact that one is out, the thumb signaled the
infield fly situation. This signal may not the one your crew uses but
it is an effective form of communication around the diamond.

Umpires have developed a unique set of signs and signals to convey
the game situation, the count, even anticipated on field rotations to
each other. Their discreet, and sometimes not so discreet, motions do
not distract the fan, who rarely sees them take place. Instead they
insure that every umpire on the field is focused on the task at hand,
that the count is consistent and everyone knows what might occur on
the next play.

READ
- PAUSE - REACT. Remember in each of these calls
timing is everything. Selling the call is a matter of the game
situation and each umpire will respond differently. There is nothing
wrong with putting a little extra on the gesture and voice, if fact
it is an important part of the game. In time each umpire develops
their own personal sense of rhythm and timing, style and flair.

One Instructional Technique : A quick word on a method for starting
of the "safe" and "out" call by initially raising
or going into motion with both arms. It is handy particularly when
teaching novice umpires. The sequence becomes:
"hands-on-knees-set, pause, read, raise both arms to
chest/shoulder height close to the body, now react, CALL, return to
set" or "standing set, pause, read, move both arms, now
react, CALL, return to set." This forces that extra second so
quickly glossed over by the new umpire. I like to think of it putting
both arms into motion at the same time, a ready-to-call or relaxed
prep position. As an umpire progresses slow and proper timing is
ingrained into the call and so this technique becomes molded in your
personal style. Personally, whenever I find myself rushing a call I
resort back to this basic series of motions.

Why initially learn to raise or move both arms upwards together? In
addition to timing, if anything should happen the novice umpire can
easily signal the other call. If "safe" and "out"
essentially begin with the same gesture you insert an extra measure
of call safety and will avoid the double call. Veteran umpires have
developed this margin of safety into their timing.

Other umpires suggest other systems. Bruce Somers noted, "As I
was reading through your section on Signs and Signals, you describe
the technique for making the "safe" call or "out"
call for the base umpire. You suggest being set, pausing, raising
both arms, then reacting. I can see someone getting into trouble on
occasion if they raise both arms all the time. For the routine call
on the bases I would suggest: Come set, pause, read the play, stand
upright, make the call. On the safe call, extend both arms straight
out in front of your body, parallel to the ground, spread them fully
open, return them to the front position and then reassume your set
position. On the out call, place the left hand on your belt buckle
and raise your right hand and pound out the call."

Different instructors and regional systems will dictate how you
approach your calls. Regardless of the system you are taught or elect
to use the umpire must practice to make all calls consistent, clear
and appropriate. Consistency is the aim. Concentration the objective.
Communication is the key.

Finally, a reminder: as the field umpire all calls start from a
"set" position, usually hands-on-knees or standing with
your hands at your side. Most important: Never be caught moving on a
call. For the field umpire all calls should return to a set position,
either standing or hands-on-knees.. This brings the body into
balance, allowing you to pivot smoothly to follow the developing play
or to stand and move smartly to your proper field position.

In no way is this a perfect or complete list. Every crew has added at
least one sign or signal to its personal list. Any tool which
increases communication around the diamond is welcomed.

Essential
Signs for the Players and Fans

My first instructor made it clear: the plate umpire's right hand
signals play, strike, out, fair ball - "the ball's alive",
and on the rarest of occasions "infield fly" and hopefully
even rarer, an ejection. The left hand does everything else including
awarding bases, controlling the pitcher and holding the indicator and
the mask. Remembers that simple instruction and almost everyone,
coach, player and fan, will be crystal clear about your intentions.

Play

Along with strike and ball, this is the one call the plate umpire
will make most often during a game. Pointing at the pitcher (or the
plate) with the right hand and calling "play." The call is
essential for the batter and catcher. The gesture is essential for
the pitcher, defense and offense.. In every case in the rule book
(Section 5.00) it is clear that the play signal is a verbal signal:
"....the umpire shall call "Play"."

Erick Barkhuis, an umpire from the Netherlands, points out that
"this signal/call is very important for your partner(s) too!
They must know the exact moment the ball becomes alive. If they
don't, they will not be able to respond correctly in situations where
the pitcher makes a pickoff attempt or drops the ball while standing
on the rubber. These are just a few examples." Perhaps more
important than the ballplayer knowing is your partner(s) knowing the
ball is alive.

Strike

Always signaled with the right hand, each umpire develops a
personalized system for signaling the strike. Some do the traditional
clenched fist, some indicate the strike out to the side with an open
hand.. Some umpires face forward, some turn. Some call strike then
signal, others do both simultaneously. One essential element is not
to turn away from the action particularly in a two man system. In a
two or three man system, by not facing forward, an umpire might even
miss a play at the plate while going through their actions.

Should you say "Strike," signal "Strike" or both?

Philip Gawthrop from Anne Arundel County, Maryland wrote to add this
comment : "Generally, on a swinging strike, as the plate umpire,
I NEVER VERBALIZE my call but rather indicate to the players and fans
with a raised right arm (in my case, with a clenched fist). The
exception to the NOT VERBALIZING is on a third strike; the plate
umpire again raises his right arm and says "Strike Three"
firmly but does not "sell the call." If the catcher has
dropped or trapped the pitch, you still go through with a firm
"Strike Three" keeping eye-contact with the batter/catcher."

Ball

Never signaled. Alright, maybe a
touch of body english but no hand gestures. The general preference is
that the verbal signal "ball" loud enough that both dugouts
can hear it. Calling "ball" allows you to maintain the
rhythm of your calls. Never indicate why a pitch was a ball, for
example: "High, Ball One"

Ball Four

Ball four is the one ball count that an umpire should announce aloud.
You should NEVER point to first base even with the left hand. Just
say "BALL FOUR". If the umpire points to first after the
pitch and the defense thinks it's strike 3 and starts to leave the
field chaos abounds. Even if you use the left hand, the players may
not take note of which hand it was and be confused. Professional
umpires never point to first.

Why ball four? It is an important count, but even more important is
that you may arrive at a point where you will have to "sell"
the walk. Having adopted a vocal call you are now in a position to
act with authority should you need to.

Time

Raising both hands into the air and calling in a loud voice
"TIME." All umpires on the field will immediately signal
the time call. Sometimes the call must be made several times in order
to shut things down. Once time is called every effort must be made by
all umpires to stop the action taking place. It is preferred that
umpires maintain the time signal with at least the right arm until
play is prepared to resume.

The
Count

Balls are signaled using the left hand. Strikes are signaled using
the right hand. A full count is always signaled as "three balls,
two strikes" and never signaled using clenched fists. The count
is relayed back to the pitcher after every pitch and a verbal report
is made usually after the second or third pitch and from that point
on. The count is always read aloud as "two balls, two
strikes" and not "two and two" or
"twenty-two" or other similar variation.

Safe

Both left and right arms are raised together, to shoulder level, in
front of the umpire and then a sweeping motion is performed out,
parallel to the ground, palms down. The verbal call of
"safe" may be made. To complete the call you may elect to
return to the set position. To sell a safe call you might consider
doing it two or three times in rapid succession. It is not always
necessary to even make the sign or call. If the play is obvious do nothing.

"Out!"

The clenched right fist and a short hammered motion seem to be
favored by most umpires. Again, personal style is acceptable as long
as it does not distract you from seeing any further plays taking
place. It is advisable to wait a second or two before making this
call. Watch that the ball does not come loose and check that the
fielder is really in possession of the ball. The call can be made
with only a gesture or can be sold with a loud call of
"Out!" Signal every out.

Never say "Strike Three - You're Out!"

Umpires are encouraged not to make this call a part of their
repertoire. Why? In some leagues the third strike does not have to be
caught while in others it must be caught. Often the plate umpire is
in the worst situation to call the trapped ball, for example: a
breaking ball in the dirt for the swinging third strike. An umpire
should only call "Strike Three." If you have a situation
where you know the batter now erroneously becomes a runner you can
follow this by the call "The Batter Is Out!"

Dropped Third Strike

Where this call is made the base umpire is often in a better position
to relay the possession or trapping of the ball to the plate umpire.
Signaling, not calling, a small discreet "out" means the
ball was caught. Pointing to the ground with your right hand can mean
the ball was trapped or not caught.

Out on the force!

This is a simple out call but the concentration is on the base. Raise
both hands together, just like you are going to call "safe".
Point towards, or focus on, the base then signal the out with the
right hand, the left hand usually moves up to your chest. Complete
the sign by saying "...he's out" or "out at first"
etc. if required

Out on the tag!

Point at the runner with the left hand, signal the out with the right
hand. Complete the sign by saying "out" plus "on the
tag" if you want to sell it a touch. (Remember you are the
umpire, not the color commentator.)

Safe, he missed the tag!

A "selling it" call that occurs when a runner slides under
or around the tag or the tag is high. You can save some grief by
indicating a loud "safe" and following it with a tapping
motion where the tag was. Everyone will know you saw the tag and most
will assume the runner had the bag before it.

Fair
Ball

The right hand points into the field in fair territory. There is no
call "Fair" anything ever made.

Foul
Ball

The same signal as "Time" but the call becomes
"Foul." Umpires often add a point into foul territory with
one hand after giving the time signal.

Dead
Ball

The same signal as "Time" but the call becomes "Dead
Ball" or is simply left at "Time." The base umpire
needs to pay specific attention to a ball hitting the batter in the
batter's box. The base umpire will immediately call "Time"
or "Dead Ball" if the plate umpire did not see the
infraction. Never say "foul" in this situation.

The same signal as "Time" but the call becomes "No
Pitch." If you are the plate umpire, step away from the plate.
You will use this call most often in a softball game. It is used to
indicate a leading off violation in some leagues. The call is a clear
"No Pitch" and the "Runner is Out!" with a point
and Out signal..

Here there are two schools of thought. Often you will see an umpires
point at the plate each time a run crosses the plate legally. Scorers
often key on this gesture (as well as catchers!) This can be
important on the "time-play" or a "third-out" situation.

Bob Bainter, a professional umpire noted, "As far as the point
on the run scoring, I think it is a matter of personal preference.
Umpire Development wants no signal from us whether it is obvious or
not. It is not our job to let anyone know, because what if the
defense wants to appeal and throws the ball away, allowing another
runner to advance or even score? That is a situation could put the
offensive team in a tizzy. It has happened before."

The
Run Does Not Count!

Signal and announce when the runner does not score so that the scorer
and coaches maintain accurate records. The signal, done by the plate
umpire, begins by forming an 'X' with the arms in front of the body
then sweeping the arms out to the "time" position. The
gesture is repeated and the call "The runner does not
score!" is made.

Advanced
Signs for the Players and Fans

Called
Strike

First point at the batter with your left hand then signal the strike
with your right. It is good practice to verbalize something like
"He went - strike." One very effective call is the pointed
"Haaaw ... strike!"

The
"Check-Swing" or Appealed Strike

The plate umpire does not have to be asked for help, he can simply
request it himself. Experienced catchers will immediately ask you to
get help from the base umpire after a check swing which you called a
ball although in younger leagues with the coach and three players
yelling you often say to the catcher, "Do you want to ask if
that was a swing or not?" . Check with your league to see where
the request can come from. In some leagues the request to appeal can
come from anywhere on the field, even the manager. A request should
never be refused. With your left arm gesture clearly to the base
umpire and ask "Did he swing?" or "Did he go?" If
the answer is yes the base umpire signals - "Strike." If
the answer is no - a safe sign.

The
Foul Tip

A two part signal. Extend you left arm up, in front of your body,
palm down, to at least shoulder level. Brush the fingers of the right
hand over the back of the left hand two or three times. The signal is
completed by signaling the strike with the right hand. Because the
ball is alive and runners can advance never say "Foul Tip."
Announcing "foul" anything could stop the action.

Infield
Fly Called

All umpires point into the air with their right hand. On some crews
every umpire on the field echoes the infield fly call, on others only
the gesture is echoed. This should be dealt with in the pre-game conference.

Home
Run or Ground Rule Double

First, the ball is dead. Make sure any unnecessary action is killed,
particularly if the ball has rebounded back into the field. The
signal for a home run is circling the right arm and index finger
overhead. The ground rule double is awarded by signaling "two
bases" with two fingers held up usually on the left hand.

Awarding
Bases

Using the left hand point clearly at the runner and state "You
second base" or "You third base", "You home"
whatever the case may be. The runner is protected all the way to the
base but not one inch beyond it.

That's
a Balk!

Balks must be called with reference to the action. Remember, if the
pitcher completes the delivery of the ball, or throws to a base, you
are in a delayed balk situation. The sequence of arriving at that
signal is: point at the pitcher, arm at shoulder height, and say
"That's a balk" .... now if the pitcher hesitates in his
delivery call "Time" .... and award the bases "Runner,
second base." etc. Pointing at the pitcher will allow sufficient
time to determine a delayed balk call situation.

The
Interference Call

An immediate decision is needed: "dead ball" or
"delayed dead ball." Point at the offensive player and make
the call "That's Interference" followed by your decision on
whether or not the ball is dead, announced with a loud gestured
"Time" or (...nothing...) meaning a delayed dead ball. If
the ball remains alive avoid any signal that looks or sounds like
"Time" until the appropriate moment. If the ball is dead
call "Time" immediately and shut down any remaining play on
the field.

The
Obstruction Call

This call is like interference except the ball may remain alive. In
all cases the call "That's Obstruction" is made while
pointing at the defensive player making the obstruction. If a play is
being made on the obstructed runner the ball is dead so immediately
signal "Time." This is followed by an awarding of a base or
bases either after play has stopped or even while play remains
ongoing. Unless a play was being made on the obstructed runner the
ball remains alive.

Any gesture which resembles "Time" being called can cause
problems on a diamond. This is one reason why some umpiring
organizations teach to initially extend the left hand horizontally
with a clenched fist. The professional baseball umpires point at the
fielder with one hand only.

Catch
or No Catch

When signaled the "catch" resembles the "out"
signal. No verbal indication needs to be given. The
"no-catch" signal resembles the "safe" signal
except the call of "No Catch" is clearly given. Sometimes
it will be necessary to repeat this sign several times. An addition
to the "No Catch" is the juggling routine which indicates
the fielder did not have possession. Juggle when the fielder is on
the base for the force out but not in full possession of the ball.

Some crews give the safe signal and then point to the ground several
times saying "on the ground, on the ground" when the ball
is dropped. The terms "Catch" and "No Catch"
could be mixed up over the crowd noise.

The verbal call needs only to be given on a trouble ball, for
example: a ball caught diving or below the fielder's knees. Routine
fly's can be signaled or not signaled depending on crew and local
practice. If a ball is on the foul lines first signal whether the
ball is fair or foul, then the catch or no-catch status if desired.

Signs for the Umpire Crew

The last thing a crew needs are a whole collection of
"secret" or "private" signs. Keep any signs
simple. Much beyond these few universal signs and the umpire's sign
list is growing too long.

How many are out?

There are two signs for making this request: 1) a cutting motion made
across the throat or 2) tapping the right pant leg with a closed
right fist. Responses 1) The number of outs are relayed by hold the
appropriate number of fingers, pointing down, pressed against the
right leg or 2) touching the brim of the hat with the appropriate
number of fingers (or a clenched fist if no one is out.) A plate
umpire often signals the number of outs by touching the side of the
mask with a closed fist (0 out), one finger (1 out) or two fingers (2
out) extended.

What's the count?

A quick tapping on the top of head or on the brim of the hat
indicates confirmation of the count being requested. An alternative
sign is placing the palms of both hands horizontally on the umpire's
chest. Response is made by holding the number of balls in the left
hand and the number of strikes in the right hand. These are held
pressed against the shirt just above the belt. The responding umpire
also calls the count aloud.

Possible Infield Fly Situation

Some crews signal each other by first relaying the number of outs
from the brim of their hats then signaling the infield fly. Another
infield fly signal is done simply with the thumb pointing and moving
upwards. A standard signal is to tap your left shoulder with your
right palm indicating that the infield fly could be called. What is
important is that play does not resume until all umpires are aware of
the pending situation.

Watch out for a time play

A sign flashed around many diamonds is a warning to be alert for a
potential "two-out" time play situation. The plate umpire
simply taps the back of his wrist where he would normally wear a watch.

Rejolly@aol.com wrote this note: "I just finished 5 weeks at the
Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and they gave this time
play instruction: Indicate to partner with right arm extended toward
him with two finger indicating two outs and then a sharp point to the
plate. This indicates that there is a possible time play and I am
staying at home plate for a possible time play.

I need help!

As soon as a manager leaves the dugout good umpires will move towards
the umpire being addressed. If the discussion goes beyond a few
pleasant words they will move in very close. If that umpire places
two hand on his waist, particularly if he pumps them another umpire
will step in between the umpire and manager. This request for
intervention allows the umpire to immediately walk away from the
area. As the intervening umpire there is only one objective, calmly
say to the coach "OK coach, let's get back to playing baseball,
the discussion is over, lets get back to the game." Under no
circumstances will the intervening umpire discuss the play or become
involved in any rules discussion.

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